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The Best Budget Ski Destinations in Europe

With all the expense around Christmas, a ski break can be too costly to fit in but if you shop around, you can find some great budget holidays that aren’t going to break the bank. Sticking to destinations in Europe will help you to keep the cost down in terms of flights but where are the best places to go?

Borovets, Bulgaria

This is one of the oldest resorts and also the largest in Bulgaria but it has had a makeover to ensure it meets modern tastes. The sheer size of Borovets means that there is a great night life at the resort so you will be sure to keep busy on and off the slopes. Bear in mind that because it’s such a popular resort, the slopes can get a bit crowded at the weekends. However, it’s only an hour from the airport in the capital of Sofia, making it particularly easy to get to. Head to Borovets if you want a classic, cheap skiing holiday with a bit of a party vibe in the evenings.

Sauze d’Oulx, Italy

This resort is one of the most popular in the area and has over 400km of pistes. Whether you’re a complete novice or a more experienced skier, you’ll find something to suit you, with excellent skiing on offer for all abilities. Sauze d’Oulx has some great opportunities for off piste skiing through the trees if you prefer this and there is also the option of skiing off the top of Fraiteve if you want something more challenging. This is an ideal resort if you are going with a mixed experience group and need to please everyone.

Meribel, France

This is the largest ski area in the world because there are several slopes that come under the Three Valleys. Meribel has got a bit of a reputation as being one of the more expensive resorts to visit so many people often rule it out as soon as they find out how much the ski passes are. However, if you’re smart and shop around for your accommodation, it can easily fit your budget. Chalets booked as part of a larger group can cost as little as £100 a week so take the time to check out the various options and you can easily have the five star resort for the three star price.

Mayrhofen, Austria

Many people wouldn’t expect this to be a good ski resort, given that it is on a flat valley floor. However, there are some great slopes hidden away. The village itself has some lovely old fashioned hotels so if you want to take a step back in time and embrace a bit of traditionalism, this is the resort for you. If you take a bus out of town a bit, you’ll get the best out of Mayrhofen, particularly because it’ll help you to beat the queues in busy periods. Whether you want to ski hard and party hard or you’d rather have a nice, relaxing break away, Mayrhofen pleases everyone.

Krkonose, Czech Republic

This mountain range is one of the best known and highest in the Czech Republic, offering some spectacular views. With the options of cross-country skiing, ski tourism and downhill slopes, you’ll find something for people of all experience levels at Krkonose. There are several different resorts within the range that offer slopes to cater for various difficulty levels so if you are a pro, you can check out the super-challenging routes. You’ll also find a fun park for snowboarders as well, offering a great alternative for when you’re sick of skiing. The huge variety of options make this range ideal for families, couples, groups and solo skiers of all ages.

Do you need winter sports insurance?

If you are looking at a skiing break this winter, make sure you take the time to shop around and really explore your options. Package deals might seem like a bargain but it could cost you even less if you buy everything separately. Don’t forget to get your ski insurance from a company like Holidaysafe to ensure you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Skiing can be dangerous and it will give you peace of mind if you’re completely covered. Look into whether your ski passes are included in the price you’re quoted as well because you can often get deals on these if you book at the right time.